Dive Watch Releases / Articles

2009-10-05

From RICHARD MILLE At the beginning of 2009, Richard Mille entered the world of the ocean depths with his premiere diver's watch, the RM 025 tourbillion chronograph. This exceptional piece also marked the first entrance of a round case within the collection. Today the brand presents a new automatic diver's watch, the RM 028, in a slightly smaller diameter of 47 mm.

Following the lines set out by the RM 025, the new RM 028 with its exceptional case and skeletonised movement possesses all the incontestable qualities that typify the watches of Richard Mille.

Following diver's watch ISO norms 6425 with its water resistance of 300 meters (30 ATM) and a unidirectional bezel, the seemingly simple lines of the round case of the RM 028 conceal a considerable amount of technical know-how. The exceptional water resistance is achieved with a three part case construction and torque screws, with complete integration of the lugs into the case system.

Turning uni-directionally to prevent miscalculations whilst diving, the bezel is composed of three sections assembled with 22 torque screws, making it impossible to accidentally dislodge from the case.

The skeleonized automatic movement of the RM 028 utilizes a rotor with variable geometry, a major innovation of Richard Mile that allows the level of automatic winding to be adjusted to the user's lifestyle via the setting of two 18ct white gold wings.

Like the RM 025, dedicated to the marine world of diving, the automatic RM 028 is in all ways an integral part of the collection, immediately identifiable as a typical creation of Richard Mille Watches.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSFollowing the directions set out by the first diver’s watch created by Richard Mille, the RM 025, the RM 028 utilizes a number of key elements that demarcate the theme of diving within the collection.

Cased in a slightly smaller diameter of 47mm, this new creation has all the hallmarks of the uncompromising character that the watches created by Richard Mille possess.

Its exceptional tripartite case with unidirectional lunette and water resistance to 300 meters follows ISO diver’s watch norm 6425, creating a perfect environment to house the skeletonized movement with variable rotor geometry, a Richard Mille exclusive.

This new creation is available in titanium with screwed titanium lugs and a rubber strap.

This exclusive RICHARD MILLE design allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted most effectively to the user’s activity level whether it be sporting or non-sporting environments.

By adjusting the setting of the rib’s placement, the rotor’s inertia is modified to either speed up the winding process in the case of leisurely arm movements, or slow it down when sporting activities are pursued. As a result, this invention allows the movement’s winding mechanism to be optimized and personalized to the owner’s lifestyle.

This is achieved with a unique, curved, tripartite case design using torque screws that can be individually and precisely tensioned with high accuracy around the exterior circumference of the case.

This is complemented by a screwed crown construction. The lugs of all versions are in titanium, with screws to attach the rubber diving strap for added security.

BezelBuilt up of three layers connected with 22 screws, turning unidirectionally following ISO 6425 norms to avoid timing miscalculations. The use of an additional screwed system attaching the bezel to the watchcase makes it absolutely stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen.

In addition, the use of screws allow for perfect adjustment since the bezel is not tensioned into position. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, starting at 12 o’clock, the five-minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted red.

Bottom plate, bridges and balance cock made of titanium

The manufacture of these components in grade 2 titanium with black PVD coating allows the whole assembly to be given great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.

Double barrel systemThe double barrel system helps to improve the stability of torque over a longer period.

This is achieved by using more turns, thereby reducing pressure and friction on the teeth, the bearings and the pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance.

Date displaySemi-instantaneous, placed in a vertical aperture in the numeral 7. The calendar disc of sapphire crystal is treated with non-reflective coating on both sides.

Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the bridges and case

This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.